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DES MOINES, Iowa, March 22, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- World-class track star, Lolo Jones, knows first-hand the benefits of taking a daily eye vitamin with FloraGLO Lutein. In November 2010, the track star had the macular pigment levels in her eyes measured and was shocked to learn they were extremely low.

"I felt like I flunked out of college when I got the results. I can't believe this is something I overlooked. I rely on my eyes as much as my feet when I'm running so if my perception of the hurdles is different, that's when I start having problems," says Jones. The test, which measured Jones' macular pigment optical density (MPOD), or the amount of lutein and zeaxanthin in her eyes, is becoming more available to patients as eye doctors increasingly recognize the significance of MPOD and lutein's role in eye health.

The world champion hurdler began taking a daily eye vitamin with FloraGLO Lutein immediately following her eye test. Four months later, much to Jones' relief, her lutein levels have increased significantly.

Senior vice president for Kemin, the makers of FloraGLO brand lutein, Linda Fullmer, says Jones is not alone, "Nearly half of all Americans have low levels of lutein in their eyes leaving them at risk for developing eye conditions as they age. Too many people are still unaware that there are easy steps, like taking a daily eye vitamin, that can protect, prolong and improve their visual performance."

To keep eyes healthy and protect them as they age, research indicates that people need 10 mg of lutein everyday through diet and eye vitamins. Most Americans are only getting 2 mg or less through their diet alone. Fullmer adds, "In addition to helping protect our vision, clinical research shows that daily use of eye vitamins with 10 mg of FloraGLO Lutein helps our eyes better tolerate and recover more quickly from glare.¹ Glare – which can come from man-made and natural sources including head-on headlights from night-time driving, other bright lights and sunlight – is something we all can encounter on a daily basis."

Selected by leading eye vitamin manufacturers and researchers for its quality and established safety profile, FloraGLO is the brand clinically proven to be absorbed by the body and to increase lutein levels in the eye for optimal protection. FloraGLO the most clinically researched brand worldwide+ and the lutein brand most trusted by doctors.*

"When I'm running full speed and there's glare from stadium lights and flashing cameras all around, my perception of the hurdles needs to be crisp," says Jones, now a FloraGLO Spokesperson who was in the lead to win the gold medal in 2008 when she tragically stumbled on the 9th hurdle, leaving her with a 7th place finish. She goes on to say, "It's important for me to take an eye vitamin with FloraGLO Lutein. Never had it occurred to me to even use something for my eyesight. I didn't even know it was out there. So I'm just thrilled and excited and I'm hoping to see the benefits when I'm on the starting line."

Read more about why Lolo makes FloraGLO Lutein part of her daily routine in a Mediaplanet(link to mediaplanet) special report in today's USA Today. The report is available online.

Kemin® – Inspired Molecular Solutions™

Founded in 1961, Kemin Industries ( www.kemin.com ) is celebrating its 50th Anniversary of providing "inspired molecular solutions" specifically developed to provide nutrition and health benefits for humans and animals. Kemin manufactures and distributes approximately 500 specialty ingredients worldwide to the feed and food industries as well as to the health, nutrition and beauty markets. Kemin ingredients positively impact more than 1.3 billion people a day.

A global, privately-held corporation headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa (USA), Kemin has experienced double-digit growth in the last several years. The company has more than 1,200 employees and operates in 60 countries with manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Italy, Singapore, South Africa and the United States.

About Kemin Health

Kemin Health, L.C. is credited with successfully commercializing lutein and significantly developing the eye supplement category under the FloraGLO® Lutein brand ( www.floraglolutein.com/brochure ), the leading and most researched lutein ingredient brand sold worldwide. FloraGLO brand lutein provides the same lutein as is naturally found in vegetables and other foods to keep eyes healthy and functioning at their best. It is the lutein brand trusted and recommended by more doctors* and is the brand clinically proven to be absorbed by the body and to increase lutein levels in the eye for optimal protection.

* Based on the results of the National Disease and Therapeutic Index syndicated report among
physicians who recommend a dietary supplement with lutein for eye health – Sept. 2009 – Sept. 2010 (USA data)

Lolo Jones is a paid FloraGLO spokespeople and currently takes an eye vitamin with FloraGLO.